TAMARACK Magazine #2 Fall & Winter 2022-2023

Table of Contents

* SPOTLIGHT ON - Hispanic Heritage Celebration

* SPOTLIGHT ON - NVCC Alum and Poet Elaine Nadal

* SPOTLIGHT ON - Nursing Club and Nursing Program

* SPOTLIGHT ON - Student Activities and Student Government Association

* SPOTLIGHT ON - The Music Society

* SPOTLIGHT ON - NVCC Theater Dept and Stage Society

* SPOTLIGHT ON - The NVCC Ping Pong Club

* THE BOOK NOOK - If We Were Villians

* OUT OF THE CLASSROOM - Bulletin Board Contest

* OUT OF THE CLASSROOM - Banned Books Event

* OUT OF THE CLASSROOM - Waffles for Success

* ACE IS THE PLACE - A Moveable Fleet (of Tutors): Sister Location in Danbury

* CAMPUS SEEN - President Maduko Visit CT State

* ADVISING - Guided Pathway Advisors Supporting NVCC Students

* FIT N FUN CLUB - Photo Essay

* GOOD NEWS - Three Generations Attend NVCC

* IN THE NEWS - 2022 Midterms Round-Up

* IN THE CLASSROOM - English 101 and Sociology 101 Students Collaborate

* PUERTO RICO - Photo Essay

* RAINBOW CONNECTION - Important Talk on LGBTQIA+ Health Disparities and Social Inequities

* SGA TODAY - A Student Government Association as Diverse as our Student Body

* STUDENT PROFILE - Eshwarie Roopnaraine

Tamarack

Where we take a deeper dive on issues and topics, with a collection of articles and picture essays.

The Hispanic Student Union Brings NVCC Together, Celebrating the Cultures of our Hispanic Communities

by Kosmar Wills, staff writer

Hispanic Heritage month was September 15th to October 15th, 2022 and our college’s Hispanic Student Union—who are also the winners of the Student Activities Bulletin Board Competition (full coverage in this edition)—celebrated with many events.

Karlene Ball is the advisor of the Hispanic Student Union. She coordinates NVCC’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Program and teaches Intro to Latino Studies. I sat down with her to learn about the work of the Hispanic Student Union and the aspirations of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Student Union, place great emphasis on the importance of bringing awareness to Latin American countries and their different cultures. Their belief is that it is fundamental that we educate ourselves and others about the Latin American culture.

From the flags of Latin American countries posted around on the 5th floor, to the numerous events it hosted, it is apparent that the Hispanic Student Union has done a fantastic job of bringing awareness to Latin American culture.

This year their theme was “Unidos” (United): ‘Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation. The HSU hosted a domino tournament, and there was music, food and dancing. They also hosted an event in celebration of the African Heritage of Puerto Rico and they had Bomba dancers.

For one of their events they had a band come to play Ecuadorian and Latin music. Representing Ecuadorian culture, they also had Alba’s Cafecito come and give a presentation of the Ecuadorian way to prepare coffee.

On November 2nd, they also hosted an event in honor of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) which is a Mexican holiday that is essentially a remembrance of lives that have passed.

All in all, Hispanic heritage month in NVCC was celebrated with many fun and educational events hosted by the Hispanic Student Union. They were able to host so many events and accomplish so much in such short time. I can’t wait to see the events that they host for Hispanic Heritage Month next year!

Hispanic Student Union Hosts NVCC Graduate, Elaine Nadal, with Poetry Reading to Kick Off Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

What a delight it was to have Elaine Nadal, A Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net-nominee—and NVCC alum—share her work as part of our Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration.

Elaine Nadal is the author of two poetry chapbooks: When and Sweat, Dance, Sing, Cut, published by Finishing Line Press. Her fiction and poetry have appeared in several journals and anthologies, including Beyond Words Literary Magazine, Spillwords Press,

Haunted Waters Press, Hoot Review, and Latino Book Review Magazine.

Nadal has shared her work in many venues. She recently did a TEDx talk on hope, poetry, and music.

Here is the link to the talk:

Verses of Hope Within Us | Elaine Nadal | TEDxURI

Alba at Her Cultural Coffee Station Celebrating Domincan Style Coffee

Ecuadorian Musicians Entertain

ENG 101 Students Viana Cazimovski, Ashley Page, and Muzi Pocesta

Karlene Ball, Advisor to the Hispanic Student Union

Prof. Ball with Students from Prof. Chris Rempfer’s English 101 Class

Nursing Program Brings Events and Cross-Discipline Collaboration to Founders Hall

by TAMARACK Staff

The Nursing Program provided essential services to both NVCC and the Greater Waterbury community. They held a campus-wide blood drive and on December 6th, the program held Nursing Quality Improvement

The Theater Department collaborated, sending two of their acting students, Jordin Contardino and Erin Moderacki to play the wide of the program’s ‘wife

of our patient’ and a ‘security guard.’ Nursing students Ryan Williams and James Karam played the ‘patient’ and ‘the nurse.’

The Nursing Program and the Nursing Club also co-sponsored an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Event with NVCC’s Pride Alliance. Coverage of that event appears in our RAINBOW CONNECTION column.

Thank you to the Nursing Program and the Nursing Club for providing live, in-person programming for the Naugatuck Valley campus and bringing our students, faculty, and staff together.

Nursing Quality Improvement Project Presentations and Behavioral Health Lab

Blood Bank and Post Conference

Professor Anderson with Nursing Students Ryan Williams as the Patient and James Karam as the Nurse

Professor Lisa Anderson and Nursing Students

Nursing Students at Campus-Wide Blood Bank in Founders Hall

Nursing Students on Campus Post-Conference

Student Activities Supports NVCC Student Clubs for Dynamic On-Campus Events and Provides an Array of Events and Trips of Their Own - Bringing Our Community HOME.

by Karen Blake and Paula Massey,

We’re back! How sweet it was to start a new semester with so many students walking the halls of our wonderful campus! We started the semester off by welcoming new and transfer students with an in-person orientation featuring campus resources and tours to our incoming students. It was a great collaboration between departments and our students were very pleased to find out what resources are available to give them the best chance at a successful journey during their time at NVCC.

We started the semester featuring a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream truck. Students enjoyed this event right down to the last sprinkle. To work off the ice cream, our new Fit-n-Fun Club started students moving on Tuesdays with volleyball in front of Founders Hall. During September, we tested their knowledge during our annual Constitution Trivia event and for our evening students, we held multiple trivia nights, giving students the opportunity to win Amazon gift cards.

Our first bus trip of the semester sent students to Bronx Zoo, the beginning of many trips we offered this semester. During September, we co-sponsored with the NEM Club, the fall festival featured our hospitality students grilling up a “picnic” feast. The Fit-n-Fun club hosted games that included potato sack race, three-legged race and more. There was also plenty dancing and fun had by all.

October started off with a Broadway play to New York City to see “Come from Away,” exposing students to cultural experiences they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to enjoy. An added bonus was the fact that this trip was originally scheduled for the spring 2020 semester. The pandemic postponed us, but it did not cancel us!

As we kicked off October, we continued to host our annual Club Expo with theme being “Lights, Camera, Club Expo”. Student clubs showcased their talents, provided interactive tables, and students were able to sign up to become a member of over 25 clubs Student Activities has to offer. As the month continued, a bus trip was offered for the students that were brave enough to go, to the Trail of Terror in Wallingford. Students had a scary good time. In a joint effort, the Nursing Club and the Pride Alliance welcomed Dr. Lin to the Mainstage to talk about health and disparities within the LTBQ+ community. Hispanic Heritage month was celebrated with a poet, domino tournament, food & dancing

hosted by the Hispanic Student Union. Our music students hosted a coffee house as well as their musical revue for the community and campus to enjoy. Student Activities purchased ingredients, purchased waffle makers for our annual “Waffles for Success” hosted by the Academic Center for Excellence. Over 400 students were served delicious waffles! Look for more on these events in this edition of TAMARACK News Magazine.

As the month of October campus to a close, with students in the “spooky spirit,” we showed the original movie of The Addams Family. The following day, our Halloween Party really amped up the Halloween mood with a costume contest in which many students participated. Many sweet treats and tacos from Tino’s were enjoyed by all.

During the month of November, mental health was the focus during our yearly Fresh Check Day. Students were able to enjoy the many interactive tables, gather information and walk away with tools to help them deal with mental health issues that may arise in their lives. The Nursing Club partnered with the

Red Cross to host a community event as they hosted a blood drive. Before the holiday, we offered a Thanksgiving Trivia, giving students another chance to win Amazon gift cards. The STEM Club, working with community partners, held their annual event in which they offered exposure to the community and students regarding STEM careers. For our Veterans, the Veteran’s Affairs, Veteran’s Club and Student Activities held a ceremony in the Leever Atrium to honor those who have served our country. Student Activities thanks veterans for their service!

To round out the month of November, the theater students kept us entertained by performing the play, Everybody, the Hispanic Student Union Club held their annual bread event, and the Art Club helped students learn how to draw by hosting a couple of “How To” draw events.

For the month of December, we held our holiday fun week which included Holiday Bingo & hot chocolate/donuts for students. We also traveled to New York City to Rockefeller Center to let students spend the day in NYC and “do their own thing.” The Ping Pong club held a successful ping pong tournament in which students were able to show off their skills. To wrap up the semester, we held our “Holiday Party” to celebrate the holiday season!

Many clubs have hosted a variety of fundraisers including bake sales, smoothie sales, plant sales, and even ornament sales with many of the proceeds fundraised going to numerous organizations, including our own Food Pantry.

From the Office of Student Activities & Student Government, we thank each student for their participation in events this semester. We look forward to a fun filled and educational 2023! Make sure you check out the weekly newsletter

MUSIC SOCIETY

A Busy, Tune-filled Fall

by Guest Contributor, Chris Zablan, Music Society Co-President

NVCC’S Music Society devoted Fall 2022 to entertaining our campus community as well as others throughout the state of Connecticut. In addition, the club lent some of their performing talents to fundraising.

The Music Society Club’s A Cappella group, Fermata the Valley, represented NVCC at Trumbull Library on Nov. 6th. They sang seven songs and raised $300 for the club.

Music Society held their biannual Coffee House in the Ricci Playbox Theater on Oct 11th. Students were able to perform singing, instrumental, and other acts in a relaxed environment enjoyed by their peers and loved ones.

A perennial favorite is the club’s, “Cocoa

& Caroling” evening that helps close out the fall semester with great holiday spirit. At the December event, students performed several Christmas solo songs and Fermata the Valley joined the fun as well. Parents and peers sang familiar holiday tunes to help spread the spirit, led by Music Department head, Dr. Gil Harel.

New this fall was a musical theater revue, “NVCC Musical Theatre presents the show, Mean Girls.” The show was stage managed, cast, and blocked by Brianna Mattingly with Chris Zablan acting as Assistant Stage Manager. Students played a revolving cast of characters from the Broadway show with a live pit performance by Dr. Gil Harel on keyboard, John Tuohy on guitar, and Elliot Wallace on percussion.

The Music Society rounded out the year with a Winter Showcase, a collection of works that students had been preparing for all of the 2022 fall semester. The NVCC Chorale performed Brahms’ “Ein Deutsches Requiem,” Movements 1, 2, and 6. They also performed an original work by Professor Harel, “A Dream Within a Dream,” based

on the Edgar Allen Poem of the same name.

The NVCC Jazz Band, directed by Prof. Henry Lugo played five tunes and featured Adam Padilla and Josh Rodis on guitar, Kyle Scriven on piano, Gabe Torres on bass, and Ethan Ledina on drums.

Fermata the Valley finished off the night with pop tunes by the likes of Mariah Carey, Harry Styles, Journey, and Bryan Adams. A busy, tune-filled fall!

NVCC Theater Department and Stage Society present EVERYBODY Jacobs-Jenkins

A Contemporary Take on the 15th Century Morality Play, Everyman

November brought an engaging intellectual exercise to theatergoers at NVCC.

Educational Assistant, Cecilia Kurachi, from the Theater Department shares her dramaturgical reflection about the play and the fall’s exciting production, which was directed by Prof. Sasha Bratt.

THEATER AND MORALITY

by Cecilia Kurachi, Guest Contributor

Theater and morality are not synonymous terms. They’re not concepts or words we tend to associate with one another. As a matter of fact, when we think of theater, we usually think the complete opposite of morality. We think production value, and entertainment. We think escapism and we might even think lack of realism all together, as theater tends to be an ostentatious form of reality when presented in its most theatrical state. But when we take the time to look beyond its flashy façade, theater can provide us with so much more. It can educate us and challenge us, reveal stories and inspire new ones, promote change and encourage creativity but above all else, theater can give us a platform to reflect. Everybody, a play written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, is a reflective piece of theater, a poetic exchange of dialogue and in its purest form, a true example of a morality play. Based on the original 15th century morality play Everyman, this modern-day adaptation thematizes God and Death in a seamlessly

The NVCC Chorale Prepares for the Winter Showcase Fermata the Valley

Fermata the Valley in Performance

The NVCC Jazz Band Gets Down

The Chorale in Performance

metaphorical way and a uniquely interwoven sense of comedic satire.

In its simplest form, a morality play is a metaphorical play. A play in which the main character symbolically represents a flawed aspect of human nature and is challenged by a higher power to assess the span of their life. In Everybody, our higher power takes the form of God and Death, as they summon an average person or a “somebody” to face two of life’s greatest mysteries – dying and living. In the production you are seeing tonight, our protagonist is picked at random, which in and of itself, epitomizes our own realities: that living and dying is not a choice, but rather an accidental opportunity, presented to us by chance. In the span of 90 minutes, our title character is challenged by the allegorically represented facets of their life like Love, Time, Friendship, Strength, Material Things and many more. These metaphorical characters and interactions alike, accentuate Everybody’s flawed persona and reveal an overarching lesson: that life is not about the things we take with us, but rather a

collection of the good we leave behind. Morality plays date back to 15th century medieval England, when theater was used to educate the masses on Christianity and Christian values. These plays complete a 3-part trilogy of the vernacular drama framework, a term used to define the shift between the language of the church (liturgical) and the language of the people (vernacular). These types of plays (Miracle, Mystery and Morality), typically referenced biblical stories and were largely characterized by allegorical figures, representing notions of good and evil. Their role served to demonstrate an overarching theme: that human beings are always looking for salvation in a life full of temptation.

Over time, these plays began to shift, embracing contemporary attributes in language and style. During the 16th century, the City of London began to censor morality plays all together, as their shift in language was seen as an abomination to the church. This posed challenges for creatives looking to perform and tell stories. Eventually,

thespians and theater makers alike found refuge in the outskirts of the city, specifically in Bankside (or “Southbank”), a metropolitan strip of London where censorship was not allowed at the time. As a result, actors and artists opened playhouses throughout the area and began to produce their own work. The creation of playhouses nurtured more theater, welcoming new and existing artists (William Shakespeare, among others) and inspiring creative entrepreneurs to open new venues. One of the most popular theatrical venues to be erected during this time was the famous Shakespeare’s Globe. Over the course of time, it was demolished and rebuilt for varying reasons, and still stands today in Southbank, facing the popular Thames River.

The Elizabethan Era marked a pivotal time in London’s Theater scene and served as a catalyst for the continuation and prosperity of theater, worldwide. Today, morality plays continue to influence the thematic undertones found in dramatic dialogue and remind us every day of the instrumental value that theater holds, at its core.

God and Somebodies

The NVCC Ping Pong Club

From Top to Bottom and Back

by Thomas Leszczynski, Ping Pong Club Advisor and Guest Contributor

Lottery

This story begins long ago, in the beforefore time. In 2015, I was walking to my interview here at NVCC, and as I passed the cafeteria, I heard a soft but distinct “ping… pop… ping… pop.” My heart leapt for joy and I knew that this school would play a central role in my life from that moment on: the Siren’s Song of ping pong being played inspires joy like no other.

As an adjunct, I would race over to campus after my high school job ended. I would play until 5:30 PM twice a week with some of the best people ever. I learned so much during those four years. Facing the relentless chop of Andre, the fury of Maleek, the confidence and power of Gardy, the graceful play of Evan, the loops of Kyle, and the rapid accurate returns of Mike. These Bonjwas of NVCC Ping Pong helped make me who I am today. Full time employment here brought me great hope: we could start a club, and our community would be recognized with the potential to do so much more.

All of these hopes were dashed in March of 2020, when schools were closed and social interaction was prohibited. The Lockdown of 2020-2021 took its terrible toll. For almost two years, I longed for the community that I missed, but never

gave up the hope of seeing it again. When schools reopened, I returned to a different scene. The cafeteria was empty, and I realized a terrible truth: I would never see some of my friends again. I felt so foolish that I did nott even know their last names! I had no contacts with them, at all. The task of bringing life back to the heart of campus seemed impossible.

Nevertheless, I persevered—with help. Thanks to Interim Dean of Administration, Dana Elm, the cafeteria was reopened for use. I began to recruit students to create a club. Most had never played before, but I knew some FUNdamental truths. First, those who joined would love the sport and we could rebuild. This is necessary no matter what, as a new generation must always come through. But I also knew that the same sweet sound that caught my ear seven years earlier would once again

call to players with its undeniable charm.

As the club started meeting, heads would turn as students passed the cafeteria door. Our numbers grew, and we now have constant play at the tables. Our players brought friends, who bring friends, and life has returned! We now have a great mix of Bonjwas and up and coming stars.

On December 1st, from 10AM to 4PM, we capped off a great semester with a tournament. 19 players came and competed for almost six hours. Highlights for the event can be found here: Link to video: Tournament video.mp4. Click and watch! And come down to play, we’d love to have you! And this spring, there is so much more!

IF WE WERE VILLIANS

by Kosmar Wills

If a story about seven young theater students possibly committing murder over a change in casting interests you, then the novel, If We Were Villains, by M.L. Rio might be for you.

The novel starts off with Oliver Marks, who has served 10 years in prison for a murder that he may or may not have committed. On the day that he is about to be released, Detective Colborne, the man who had him put in prison, convinces Oliver to tell him the truth of what actually happened since the detective is retiring and wants to know the truth before he does.

The novel is Oliver retelling the events that took place 10 years ago with the six other Shakespearean actors at Dellecher Classical Conservatory. The novel is divided into 5 acts that contain multiple scenes in them. The novel is full of drama, mystery and, of course, Shakespeare references.

All in all, it is an amazing novel that is definitely worth the read. I give it a 8.5/10.

Out Of The Classroom

Goings-on around the campus.

Annual Bulletin Board Contest: And the Winners are…

by TAMARACK Staff

Student Activities held its annual student club Bulletin Board Contest this fall, with judging of the boards taking place on October 19th. The TAMARACK bulletin board took 3rd Place, with the Hispanic Student Union nabbing 1st Place and the Music Society placing 2nd. 1st Place was awarded a prize of $200, 2nd Place a prize of $100, 3rd Place a prize of $50—with Honorable Mention of $25 each for the Fit-n-Fun Club, the STEM Club, and the Early Childhood Education Club. Behold the boards:

“Why Can’t I Read This? The War Over Books, People, and Ideas!”

THE SOCIAL JUSTICE SERIES

The Social Justice Series kicked off this year’s theme, “Bans, Buzzwords, and Bodies,” with a lively panel discussion on the rise in book banning in the United States. The panel discussion was co-sponsored by the NVCC Library and was held on September 22, 2022.

The discussion explored the history of banned books and what’s behind the current cultural and political movement of banning books, subversive ideas, “controversial” topics, and the constraining of expression and dialogue.

Panelists discussed their favorite banned books, legal ramifications, political wrangling, and the latest push towards censorship. Panelists included Jaime Hammond (Director of Library Services), Steve Parlato (Author, Artist, and Educator), Chris Rempfer (Professor of English), Kathy Taylor, JD (Professor of Legal Studies and Social Justice Series Co-Chair)). The panel was moderated by SJS Co-Chair, Nikki McGary.

The event was held live on the Mainstage of the auditorium and was also live-streamed.

Waffles For Success

This year was the first time Waffles for Success was back at full tilt. And boy did it tilt! ACE Director Ron Sheftel organized over 35 staff and faculty volunteers to serve students meals to provide support and boost morale during midterms. The goal was to serve 400 students, but the ACE broke their previous record, serving 420 students.

Waffles for Success provided students a chance to take a study break, refuel, and catch up with friends before taking their exams. Thanks to the ACE!

Panelists Prof. Nikki NcGary, Library Director Jaime Hammond, Prof. Chris Rempfer, Prof. Steve Parlato, and Prof. Kathy Taylor

And more toppings!

The ACE Presents: WAFFLES FOR SUCCESS!

Volunteers Made the Day!

Prof. Nancy Esposito and Associate Dean Tim Magee Serve Up the Fun

Toppings!

Students with ACE Director and Waffle Wizard Rob Sheftel

ACE

Is The Place

Updates and curiosities at our dynamic tutoring center.

The ACE is a Moveable Fleet (of Tutors): Sister Location in Danbury Provides Wide Range of Services

By Joan Lownds, ACE Tutor and TAMARACK Staff Writer

Did you know that the ACE has a sister location on NVCC’s Danbury campus? The same supportive and compassionate approach to academic tutoring can be found at the Danbury ACE, at 190 Main Street. Free tutoring is available in math, writing, biology, anatomy and physiology---and a therapy dog named Coco visits at least once a semester as an added bonus.

“We serve all the Danbury students at the ACE,” said Rob Sheftel, the ACE Director. “Many come for tutoring, but also for studying and library use. The therapy dog helps students take a moment and relax.”

Jody Jarvella, a tutor in biology and anatomy and physiology at the Danbury ACE, added that Coco the dog “just soothes the students, and calms them during a stressful week of midterms or finals.”

The Danbury ACE shares the space with the “Librarian and the IT Cubicle,” Jarvella explained. “We all work together to give the students the best experience they can have. At our ACE we also have access to textbooks and Biology/A&P models, and we even have two full-sized skeletons and one mini-skeleton.”

A versatile group, the Danbury ACE tutors pitch in to meet whatever academic needs might arise. “Although we only have Math,

Coco the therapy dog

At ACE Danbury Campus, We Support Student Success!

Biology/A&P, and writing tutors, we try to help where we can,” Jarvella said. “For example, sometimes I’ll help a student with computers, or Accounting, or even simple Chemistry. Basically, no matter what the subject, if we can help, we’ll try.”

Tutors at Danbury ACE also feed more than just their student’s minds. “We also try to give the students some other ‘extras’ to compensate for the fact that they don’t have all the services available to them here that they would have in Waterbury---like the cafeteria, the workout room, pool tables,

darts, walking trail, and Bookstore,” Jarvella noted. “We will often have food-related events for the students, such as a ‘Welcome Back’ party where we had Chick-Fil-A and homemade empanadas donated by a local business; pizza just because; tea parties; and hot cocoa on a wintry day.”

CAMPUS SCENE

Naugatuck Valley Community College becomes CT State Community College/Naugatuck Valley in Fall 2023

by Smith Bernard, staff writer

President

John Maduko visited Naugatuck Community College on October 12 as part of his tour of the community colleges in Connecticut. Starting in Fall 2023, all 12 community colleges of Connecticut and Charter Oak State College will merge into Connecticut State Community College. Naugatuck Valley Community College would be one of the many campuses of Connecticut State Community College. We will be the Waterbury and Danbury campuses.

John Maduko was appointed by the Connecticut Board of Regents to serve as President of Connecticut State Community College on April 27th, 2022. He is a medical doctor with educational leadership experience as Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs for Minnesota State Community and Technical College, a member of the 37 institution Minnesota State Colleges and University system.

The Busy ACE at Danbury

If you are applying for the 2023-2024 FAFSA application, make sure to use the school code 007635 (it will show up as Capital Community College). If you have already submitted your FAFSA application without the code, you can log on to https://studentaid.gov/ and make a correction.

Information about Connecticut State Community College can be found at https://www. ct.edu/ and you can email CTStateStudentQuestions@commnet.edu for additional questions.

ADVISING

New semester, new classes and new advisors - Guided Pathways advisors to be exact!

GUIDED PATHWAYS ADVISORS NOW SUPPORT NVCC STUDENTS

by Jessica Carvalho Fernandes, Managing Editor

Now, you may be wondering what Guided Pathways advisors are and what they do? NVCC has hired 20 GP Advisor I’s to support students while there are also GP advisor II’s who help manage the new offices. (If interested in seeing photos of each of the GP advisors and how to contact them: visit this link https://nv.edu/Student-Resources/Academic-Support-Resources/Guided-PathwayAdvising/Guided-Pathway-Advisors).

Essentially, a GP advisor has been assigned to each student and can be viewed via Degree Works as well. As Bonnie Goulet (Campus Advising Lead) stated during our interview, “a GP advisor provides students the opportunity to create a meaningful relationship early on with someone who can provide guidance in understanding the responsibilities of higher education, connecting to resources on and off campus, understanding their degree program, building an academic plan, course registration, navigating financial aid, and transferring to another college.”

NVCC Hospitality Department Served Up Refreshments for Prsident Maduko’s Visit

NVCC Student and TAMARACK Staff Photographer Luis Garcia at President Maduko’s Visit with Students

NVCC has established four GP advising centers to guide students. Kinney Hall (520) focuses on students majoring in Liberal Arts and Behavioral and Social Sciences. Ekstrom Hall (E500) supports students majoring in STEM and Business programs. Founders Hall (F217-234) supports students in the Nursing and Allies Health programs along with students seeking to apply to these programs. Lastly, there is also an office on the Danbury campus with advisors who support students in all majors who take courses in Danbury.

Why does it matter to have a GP advisor and how does it benefit me? Well, 1) In the past, a faculty advisor would advise a ratio of up to 1000 students when by hiring new advisors 250 students are able to connect with one GP advisor. This allows a much more valuable relationship between advisor and advisee. 2) Students are offered the availability of two advisors who are willing to guide the student in the right direction and path academically.

Some highlights of the GP advisors’ work so far have been introducing themselves to students and answering questions students had regarding classes, my CommNet, and Blackboard to the best of their ability.

So, students: take advantage of this resource available to you and plan the future you deserve. When in doubt, reach out. Do not hesitate to ask questions or feel like you’re the only one who is confused about things

At NVCC, community is prioritized. You matter here!

For more information on GP advising, feel free to use these links:

GP Video - https://youtu.be/8rG-_POvLIg

1. GP Website - https://nv.edu/student-resources/academic-support-resources/guided-pathway-advising

2. Degrees by Center - https://nv.edu/student-resources/academic-support-resources/guided-pathwayadvising#Centers

How to find your GP advisor https://nv.edu/student-resources/academic-support-resources/guidedpathway-advising#Find

FIT N FUN CLUB | Photo Essay

Runs Volley Ball Tournament Tuesdays

Outside Founders Hall

Here’s Some Really Good News: THREE GENERATIONS ATTEND NVCC

by Jessica Carvalho Fernandes, Managing Editor

What happens when three generations of a family, a mother and two daughters, are all attending Naugatuck Valley Community College?

You write a good news story, of course!

44-year-old nursing major Rahab Sousa, 22-year-old nursing major, Brooke Wangari, and a 3-year-old female student of NVCC’s Early Childhood Education laboratory school all frequent NVCC’s Waterbury Campus.

Sousa might be the oldest out of her family to attend NVCC, but she serves as an inspiration for both her daughters. As mentioned, Sousa is a nursing major and according to her daughter Brooke, “what motivated her to go

back to school was her passion to become one. She was a nurse back in Kenya also.”

Wangari’s major is also nursing. She says the reason “I’m doing it [nursing as a major] is because I also love helping people out but also because I see the passion my mom has gave me to hope to achieve the same goals as her.” In addition, it is Wangari’s first semester here at NVCC as she has been in the United States only for 5 months.

“It has been a challenge adapting here because of very many cultural differences but I’m adapting very well,” said Wangari.

Wangari has been getting herself involved within the college by joining the dance club,

Election 2022 Round-Up

TERPS and she also plays ping pong (which has been a hot commodity this semester).

As for the little one of the family, her time at NVCC has been filled with learning and creativity inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach down at the laboratory school. Who knows? Once she’s older she might even go to school for nursing just like her mother and sister. This way, we won’t only have three generations at NVCC, we’ll have three nurses also.

However, wherever life takes her, one thing for sure is that she will flourish just like her mother, Rahab and her sister, Brooke.

FALL MIDTERMS WERE CONSEQUENTIAL FOR THE STATE AND FOR ITS COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS.

By Smith Bernard, Staff Writer & TAMARACK Secretary

Senate

Since the last Senate election in January 2021, the United States senate has been 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans. There were 3x senate races on the ballot and every single one of them were important to both the Democratic and Republican parties. One of 3x senate elections was here in Connecticut between Senator Richard Blumenthal and Leora Levy.

Senator Richard Blumenthal has been a senator from Connecticut since winning the 2010 senate election against the Republican

Linda McMahon, the former CEO of WWE and won re-election in 2016 against Republican state representative Dan Carter from Bethel, becoming the first candidate in Connecticut history to obtain over 1 million votes.

Before serving as a senator, Richard Blumenthal served as the Attorney General for over 20 years and often won lawsuits targeted against the tobacco industry.

The Republican challenger to Senator Blumenthal running to replace him was Leora Levy. Leora Levy is a former sugar

trader born in Havana, Cuba. Leora Levy served as a representative to the Republican National Committee after serving as the finance chair of Bob Stefanowski’s 2018 governor campaign and as finance chair of the Connecticut Republican party. In 2019, Leora Levy was nominated by former President Trump to serve as the Ambassador to Chile, but was never given a vote by the Senate. In the Republican primary, Leora Levy was seen as the underdog against former state house minority leader Themis Klarides until former President Trump endorsed her 5 days before the primary. Leora

Jessica Carvalho Fernandes spreads some good news with stories about the good stuff going on around us.

Levy has campaigned on closing the U.S border and her pro-life position on abortion.

Blumenthal wass the winner of the Senate election. He won by 14 percentage points or 170,000 votes out of 1.2 million votes casted. Democrats kept control of the Senate with at least 50 senate seats plus the vicepresident, Kamala Harris. Republicans will continue as the minority party in the Senate with at-least 49 senate seats. Georgia had the last Senate election on December 6th between pro-choice paster now Democrat senator Raphael Warnock and Republican former football player and father of tiktoker Christian Walker, Herschel Walker. (Mr. Warnock won).

Governor

The election for Governor of Connecticut was between Governor Ned Lamont, Republican challenger Bob Stefanowski and independent challenger Rob Hotaling. The election was mostly a rematch from the 2018 governor election between then businessmen Ned Lamont and Bob Stefanowski and now deceased lawyer Oz Griebel. Oz Griebel, a former republican ran for governor in 2018 with his own party labeled “The Griebel-Frank Party” and his main issue was reforming Connecticut elections to change to ranked choice voting which would allow voters to rank multiple candidates of an election by who you want more. The party endorsed Ned Lamont after he promised to bring a ranked choice voting bill to the legislature in 2023.

Governor Ned Lamont is focused on his support for the right to an abortion in Connecticut and the law passed earlier last year, protecting abortion in Connecticut. Republican challenger Bob Stefanowski

focused on crime in Connecticut. His main proposal was to repeal parts of the police accountability bill passed in Connecticut in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd. Specifically, Bob Stefanowski wanted to bring back qualified immunity (the protection of police officers from being sued which some argue stifles police from taking necessary risks if police officer’s personal assets are at risk), loosening standards for police to use fatal force like a weapon, and to bring back searches of property without a warrant, but with the consent of the property owner (As of now, a police officer cannot search your house without a warrant even if you consent). Robert Hotaling’s main issue was reforming elections in Connecticut. Rob Hotaling also supported ranked choice voting in Connecticut, wanted to expand primary elections to all registered voters regardless of party, and wanted to implement limits on how long a politician can serve in an office.

Ned Lamont won re-election to serve as Governor of Connecticut for four more years. Ned Lamont won by 12.5 percentage points or about 150,000 votes out of 1.2 million votes cast.

Connecticut Ballot Measure

On the Connecticut ballot was also a question asking the voters to change the Connecticut constitution to allow the Connecticut legislature to provide early voting. Connecticut is one of four states that don’t allow voters to vote at their polling location before election day. Most states allow voters to vote in person up to 2 weeks before election day because many potential voters have school or work on Election day. Opponents of the amendment argue that the amendment is too expensive to implement, and that the amendment is too broad, allowing the legislature to choose any amount of days for early voting.

The ballot measure passed by 20 percentage points, 120,000 more voters voted ‘yes’ to approve the amendment than opposed it.

Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District

According to census data, most Naugatuck Valley Community College students live in the 5th congressional district of Connecticut. The 5th district in Connecticut is also the most competitive congressional district in Connecticut and the results ended up as one of the closest in the country. Naugatuck Valley Community College Alumni and 2016 National Teacher of the Year, Jahana Hayes won a close election for a 3rd term in congress against former state senator George Logan from Ansonia (which is outside the 5th congressional district). George Logan, a black Guatemalan republican ran on trying to connect popular Democratic , Jahana Hayes, with unpopular president Joe Biden. Jahana Hayes ran on her voting record of supporting gun restrictions and codifying a right to an abortion into law.

Naugatuck Valley Community College Alumni Jahana Hayes won the election with 1,842 more votes than former state senator George Logan out of over 250,000 votes cast. Republicans, however, won a slight majority of seats in the House of Representatives and will now control the House of Representatives and we will likely see speaker Kevin McCarthy won the House Speakership after a protracted vote—it took 15 rounds.

To find out your representatives, go to https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg. asp and https://www.nytimes.com/ interactive/2022/11/08/us/elections/resultsconnecticut.html for the latest election results.

Editorial Staff

Jessica Carvalho Fernandes, Managing Editor

Eshwarie Roopnaraine

Smith Bernard

Dalmir Tupkusic

Kosmar Wills

Luis Garcia

Idris Sattar

Joan Lownds, ACE Columnist

Prof. Chris Rempfer, Faculty Advisor

Digital Arts Staff

Gregory Kashuba, Layout/Design Editor

Tamarack

Naugatuck Valley Community

TAMARACK

Staff in the TAMARACK Office

Where we take a deeper dive on issues and topics, with a collection of articles and picture essays.

English 101 and Sociology 101 Students Collaborate on a Study and Discussion of Difference

The fall semester saw collaboration between Prof. Nikki McGary’s SOC 101 class and Prof. Chris Rempfer’s ENG 101 classes. The two classes explored DIFFERENCE, which in Sociology terms is known as the study of DEVIANCE— anything that exists in opposition to established norms.

The classes started their collaborative work by attending a panel discussion on book banning co-sponsored by the Social Justice Series and the NVCC Library. The panel was titled, “Why Can’t I Read This? The War Over Books, People, and Ideas.” It was part of the Social Justice Series’ year theme looking at “Bans, Buzzwords, and Bodies.”

The panel discussion explored the history of banned books and what is behind the current cultural and political movement of banning books. Prof. McGary facilitated the panel and panel consisted of the Library’s Jaime Hammond who covered the history of book banning, Prof. Rempfer who spoke about two of the most challenged books in the United States, Prof. Steve Parlato, who spoke about his experience with his Young Adult fiction books being ‘challenged,’ and Prof. Kathy Taylor, who spoke about the legal and constitutional implications of book banning (think: 1st Amendment violations).

Over the course of two class meetings, students explored the societal implications of what it means to exist outside of perceived societal norms. White boards recorded the discussion and provided the foundation for further exploration.

Prof. Rempfer’s ENG 101 students took their experience and applied it to a new ENG 101 course sequence Prof. Rempfer was developing: a TEXT and MEDIA Project that combined text requirements with the integration of visual, audio, and other media that reflected the vast array of sources 21st century students have at their disposal as they construct responses to course curriculum.

Students were asked to create a project using text and media that explored DIFFERENCE. They chose a lens through which to explore difference (lens= topic or issue). They then decided whether their project would be a digital paper or in digital slide format. The assignment required them to organize in three parts: (1) Present OBSERVATIONS (2) Explore the IMPLICATIONS of those observations (3) Pose questions to your audience in light of your Observations and Implications.

ENG 101 student and Tamarack writer, Smith Bernard, chose to explore how conspiracy theories, that peddle a different perspective on the truth than trusted entities and media organizations, not to mentioned most people’s view of the world, impact the idea of difference. He explored Flat Earth and Jewish conspiracy theories. To do so, he created a website. Quite the use of TEXT and MEDIA. Bernard’s website can be accessed by clicking on this link: https://sites.google.com/view/smithdifferenceproject/home

ENG 101 student, Ashlairy Lora explored “The Difference Between the Banning of Graffiti and the Celebration of Street Art.” Her astounding slide presentation can be found here: https://issuu.com/nvcctamarack/docs/text_and_ media_ashlairy_lora-2.pptx

Here’s a link to the Social Justice Series’ panel discussion on Book Banning: https://vimeo.com/752308012/2f8f906fa7

PUERTO RICO | Photo Essay

Luis Garcia,

Tamarack

Tamarack staff photographer, went home to Puerto Rico.

He shares this photo essay of images that remind him of his roots.

Luis Garcia

Nursing Club and the Pride Alliance Host Important Talk on LGBTQIA+ Health Disparities and Social Inequities in Our Healthcare System

On October 11th last fall, NVCC’s Nursing Club collaborated with the college’s LGBTQIA+ club, the Pride Alliance, to host guest speaker Fidelindo Lim (CCRN, DNP) from New York University’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing to speak about the challenges queer people face when they enter our country’s healthcare system.

Associate Professor of Nursing, Lisa Anderson, first heard Mr. Lim when she attended a faculty breakout session at a NSNA conference in Utah. During the breakout session, Lim asked participants whether LGBTQ+ health disparities are covered in college Nursing program curriculums. Anderson asked her fellow faculty about LGBTQ+ inclusion and it was agreed there were wide disparities across the program and a general lack of knowledge on the subject. Inviting Mr. Lim turned out to be an important step forward. The talk was attended by Nursing faculty as well as students and set the stage for a more inclusive and equitable lens being applied to study in Nursing when it comes to LGBTQIA+ healthcare.

Dr. Lim Addressing NVCC Nursing Faculty and Students

Dr. Lim with Nursing Faculty and Pride Alliance Advisors

Pride Alliance co-advisor Chris Rempfer with Dr. Lim and Nursing Club Advisor, Lisa Anderson

SGA

An update from the President of the Student Government Association.

A Student Government Association as Diverse as our Student Body

by Eshwarie Roopnaraine, Staff Writer

Hi. My name is Eshwarie Roopnaraine. Many of you may know me as the Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President. I became Vice President because I wanted to help my fellow college peers. I wanted Naugatuck Valley Community College to be a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Right now, the SGA (Student Government Association) is the most diverse it has ever been. Every officer was born outside of the U.S., and we all are from different countries. I wanted to be here for my peers. I wanted to provide them with the best college years possible, making it a rich and fun time for them.

I also wanted them to feel welcome or safe coming to me and my fellow officer’s ideas on trips, events, guest speakers, and the like. I want college students to be aware that we are here for them, we are the voice for them.

I also want them to be aware of how significantly important SGA is and what it does. So far, we have done two open houses where we gave tours to incoming freshman and their families. This is where we helped students print their schedules out, obtain their student ID, and more. We also recently had our Fall Festival and Lights Camera Action Club Expo, Bingo nights, Trivia Nights, Trail of Terror, Bronx Zoo, and sponsored a bus trip to NYC to see the Broadway show, Come from Away.

These events are expressly for NVCC students. We all pay a student activity fee, so we are trying to make your college experience fun and exciting. These events are to help everyone take a small break in between classes to meet new peers, professors, and advisors, and gain knowledge.

Being a part of the SGA does require a lot of hard work and dedication. However, it all pays off in the end with the experience and knowledge you gain, the people you meet, the places you visit, and the opportunities that you receive.

Student Profile: Eshwarie Roopnaraine

Hello, my name is Eshwarie Roopnaraine. I am 19 years old, in my second year of college, majoring in Early Childhood Education. Many may know me as a previous Student Government Association Vice President.

I am part of four clubs: W.A.V.E., Student Government Association, Early Childhood Education, and the Tamarack. I am also taking five in-person classes, including student teaching, which requires an eight hour observation at the Child Development Center on campus, Observation and Participation, which also requires a four hour observation at the center. These observations are added to our weekly classes.

I am also a Child Development Assistant down at our center. I must pick up my brother from school every afternoon from Tuesday to Friday. I have the busiest schedule that I know of, and this does not include all of the SGA meetings, SGA office hours, event planning, cooking, cleaning, and doing homework.

This is my story and there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Some may ask, “How are you capable of handling so much on your plate at once?” The answer is by taking it day by day, and the biggest key is time management. My planner is my best friend, I carry it everywhere I go. I write the simplest things down just so I won’t forget to do them at the end of the day. I will say that I do not get as much sleep as I used to but, even though I am balancing a busy schedule, I still take advantage of the opportunities given to me to have fun and enjoyable time.

Anything is possible. Just put your mind to it, and you can accomplish anything you want!

An ordinary moment where a student teacher implemented an art experience that she planned for in the Exploration Room. The children are exploring the properties of bleeding tissue paper. The student teachers have been hard at work writing and implementing lesson plans for art, story, music, and food prep this semester!

-@thecenteratnvcc

As a student teacher I had to plan and carry out a cooking activity. I used a family recipe to make Yellow Cheesy Corn Bread. Some concepts they learnt from this experience were, measuring (length, capacity, and weight), scooping, mixing, working together, taking turns, and using expressive language. The children helped clean up and we put the Yellow Cheesy Corn Bread in the oven, and they ate it for an afternoon snack after they woke up from their naps.

“It can’t get any busier than this!”

2022-2023 SGA Officers at the Lights, Camera, Action Club Expo (Left to right, Secretary: Amina Mukhtar, President: Iris Cerda Rodriguez, Vice President: Eshwarie Roopnaraine, Treasurer: Eric Gil)

Managing the ticket table at the Club Expo as students signed up for different clubs throughout the event and collecting their tickets in return for free lunch. The Club Expo went very smoothly and successful as many clubs were able to expand their clubs and gain new members.

A regular, busy day of being a full-time student and SGA officer at NVCC. Working on multiple tasks such as homework, event planning, sending out emails, etc.